Artist description World Beat travels from West Africa to the Czech Republic to The United States for an eclectic blend of exotic rhythms and powerful percussion jams that will set your feet and spirit dancing! Weaving together diverse musical traditions with the powerful rhythms of West Africa, the unique and high energy music of MAMADOU sets feet and spirits dancing. The band performs original music based on authentic African rhythms and arrangements, composed by Mamadou Diop of Dakar, Sénégal, who takes these fundamental African rhythms and layers them throughout his music. At the heart of MAMADOU's music is the drum. Powerful are the rhythms of Sénégal, making a connection with the soul of each listener. Each musician is given command of separate, offset rhythms, making this music among the most danceable around. Sung in Wolof (Mamadou Diop's native language), French, and English, the songs speak of the importance of love, friendship, and spirit; all in a manner that transcends language and cultural barriers. MAMADOU has been enthusiastically received by club and festival audiences who welcome the opportunity to experience their joyful combination of musical genres.

Music Style African (Senegalese) World Beat, Reggae, Popular, Rhythm, Rhythm, Rhythm

Musical Influences This music takes fundamental African rhythms and layers them throughout their music. Each musician has command of separate, offset rhythms, making this music among the most danceable music around !! See them live and feel the beat !! !! !! This style is 100% original, with mainly African, European, and American influences.

Similar Artists Youssou N'dour, Thione Seck, Baaba Maal

Artist History Mamadou Diop was born in Sénégal, West Africa. He became interested in playing music in his youth when his mother gave him a guitar as a gift. He would go to the river at night and sit by the bridge and teach himself to play the rhythms of Africa on his guitar. Today, Mamadou Diop is one of the most respected rhythm guitarists in his country and an accomplished sabar drummer. He has an extensive musical resume and has performed with the most celebrated musicians of Sénégal, including Jimmy Mbaye and Mbaye Dieye Faye in The Madison Band, (now band members of Youssou N'dour), Nicolas Menheim and Papa Seck in the band Africando, Musicians from the band Baaba Maal, and the Grand Soda Mama with whom Mamadou toured the West African countries of Sénégal, Mauritania, Cameroon and the Ivory Coast. In 1991 Mamadou Diop joined the West African band Thione Seck and traveled throughout Europe. Mamadou came to the United States in 1996, completing a World Tour with the band. While in Boston, Mamadou joined Master Drummer Ibrahima Camara's world beat band, Safal. Ibrahima, an old family friend from Dakar, Sénégal, had been living in the United States for twenty-five years. Mamadou brought new energy from Africa to Ibrahima's band. In 1998 Mamadou formed his own band, MAMADOU (formerly "Mamadou Diop and the Jololé Band"). Along with performing, Mamadou, a member of the Sonike tribe, teaches about African life and culture. Mamadou has led drum workshops for public and private school programs. Mamadou also teaches weekly drum and dance classes for adults and children. In Africa the expression of rhythm is used to make a connection with the soul. Mamadou expresses the virtues of African culture and, in his very personable manner, introduces participants to an understanding of life and spirit that is so prevalent in his culture. MAMADOU has performed at festivals in CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, PA, RI, and more to come...

Group Members Musicians: Mamadou Diop, Band Leader, Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Sabar - Rick Ashley, Djembe, Sabar, Congas - Pavel Jirka, Lead Guitar - Adam Zampino, Keyboards, Backing Vocals - Erik Millett, Bass Guitar, Upright Bass - Erik Kaszynski, Drum Kit - Mamadi Diarra, Djun Djun, African Percussion - Michelle Foss, Backing Vocals - Jennifer Millett, Djembe, Sabar, Backing Vocals Honorary Members: Ted Sillars, John Pfister, Peter Meyer, Ibrahima Camara, Susan Sillars, Susan Dodge, Tracy Pfister, Jamey Smythe, Peter Barr

Instruments Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar, Keyboards, Bass, Drums, African and Caribbean Percussion, and more

Albums Djibi, 2002 - Nadine, 1999

Press Reviews "Musicians from Senegal, West Africa, the Czech Republic and Massachusetts combine West African rhythms and lyrics with powerful percussion jams to produce a unique, high-energy that sets feet and spirits to dancing." -- Boston Globe; "The West African singer and composer who has made a big splash locally with his fine young band, playing music based on the dance traditions of his native Senegal. He's played percussion with innumerable groups (including Ibrahima Camara) before putting this current unit together, and it shows in his delightful stage presence and thorough mastery of the many rhythms of his homeland " - Johnny D's

Additional Info The figures seen on the background of this site were created and drawn by Mamadou Diop. This site is based on the web site http://www.mamadou.com, designed by Tracey Pfister. Photograph of Mamadou by Rick Ashley. CD cover designed by Ejyo Katagiri. Maintained by Adam Zampino.

Location Salem, MA - USA

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